HUNDREDS of drivers have joined a campaign to create mobile speed barriers to force motorists to slow down on Cheshire's rural roads.

Thousands more across the county are expected to slam on the brakes and join up to 'Set The Pace'.

Groups in Tarvin, Norley, Ashton Hayes, Cotebrook and Tattenhall are supporting the campaign, which requires drivers and passengers to sign a pledge to keep to the speed limit or road conditions.

The aim is to force other drivers to slow down as they find themselves stuck behind pledged drivers.

'Mobile traffic calming is very much about individuals taking responsibility. Everyone wants to change the world, but no-one thinks to change themselves,' said Justine Hart, Cheshire County Council senior road safety officer.

She said: 'If everyone travelled at safer speeds we wouldn't need other measures like cameras and humps.'

As an added incentive, drivers who display Set The Pace car stickers are entered into regular draws, with prizes.

Paula Hamp, of Christleton, had first-hand experience of the dangers of speeding, when she saw her friend's son thrown 40ft by a car going at 40mph last November.

'We thought he was dead,' she said. 'At 30mph you stand a chance, but at 40mph almost everyone is killed.'

Luckily the boy survived, but Paula and friends are determined to change the way people drive.

One of the first communities to take on the idea wholeheartedly is Tattenhall, where Carol Weaver is promoting the idea.

Parish councillors have already had 1,000 forms printed. The scheme will be promotedat monthlyparishcouncilmeetings, village surgeries, and the church fete on June 11.

'We are also hoping to approach Tattenhall Park Primary School,' said Ms Weaver. She is hoping to encourage the remaining parish councillors to sign up at Monday's meeting.